Accidental Photographer

For those of you following me or just dropping by, you probably read my "about me" spot and know I love to take pictures.  Sunday my Pastor surprised me by calling me up and telling EVERYONE, in the church, that I take pictures and how he thinks I have an eye for it!  He even showed a picture that I had given him.  It was very nice of him and very humbling for me.  I thought I would start out slow but I guess God has other plans.

So why the title?  Well, because, I didn't ever picture myself as a photographer growing up (no pun intended, LOL).  I knew I liked to take pictures and I even asked for a camera as a teenager but they gave my sister one instead.  She let me use it and eventually it became mine. I am an artist by heart. Love to draw and started doing that as a child.  I wasn't super talented at it but knew it was part of my makeup.  My Dad and Mom both could draw but unfortunately neither pursued it.  Maybe they thought Artists couldn't make a living.  My Dad carved ducks after he was injured on the job and couldn't work anymore.  His ducks were beautiful.  He carved some hummingbirds for me, my favorite birds, as a wedding present.  I had glass hummingbirds on my wedding cake and I guess he was inspired.  Thinking back on it that was a really thoughtful thing he did.  I still have the carved hummingbirds and maybe later I will put a picture of them here.  Anyway, back to the topic at hand. This started up when I took pictures at the Pastor's son's wedding.  I wasn't the photographer but brought my camera along because I love weddings and wanted to capture the happy moments.  It was an outside wedding which made it much more exciting.  The photographer they had was family and I tried to stay out of the way and felt guilty for taking photos but the love for it was stronger than the guilt.  They liked the pictures I took and I was encouraged to continue and now I have been outed.  I feel guilty because I have never taken a class and I am still learning how to use my new fangled camera.  I hope when I take pictures for someone that they come out nice because that is a memory they want to preserve.  That means a lot to me because I know what it is like to lose photos and lose those memories, nothing replaces them.  I pray before I take pictures because I know He is the teacher above all and He is the one that gives the talent.  I am an accidental photographer going on sheer luck and, most importantly, God's grace hoping to spread joy and wonderful memories with what I do.  Another art form to explore and I think I like it. :)

Some new photos I took around campus....

I am set up as a second wedding photographer in June.  Wish me luck for me and the happy couple :).  I am just glad I don't have to do it alone which takes a little pressure off.  I will let you know if it happens.

Until next time God Bless and be kind to each other.